Local MSP Maree Todd praises Alness-based Aquascot as‘shining example’ of employee ownership benefits after visit
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A ROSS MSP has spoken of the benefits employee ownership after a visit to an Alness-based seafood processor.
Maree Todd, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland & Ross, said she had a positive experience visiting Aquascot, which is the largest employee-owned business in Scotland, with over 200 employees.
Ms Todd said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Aquascot last week, where I was given a tour of their production site in Alness and an overview of the company’s operations.
“I was inspired to learn about Aquascot’s business model, which has seen them become the largest employee-owned business in Scotland.
“Scotland aims to become a world leader in employee ownership and the Scottish Government are keen to encourage companies and workers to consider this model. In Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation, the Scottish Government has committed to undertake and publish a review of how best to significantly increase the number of employee-owned businesses and cooperatives in Scotland.”
Aquascot is a processor of fresh, locally-sourced Atlantic salmon and trout, and has been a dedicated partner of Waitrose supermarkets since 2003.
The Scottish Government aims to increase the number of employee and worker-owned businesses from around 100 to 500 by 2030. Evidence shows that these models perform well in terms of productivity, inclusion and innovation and there is less likelihood of them moving operations outside Scotland.
Commenting further, Ms Todd added: “With over 200 employees, Aquascot are a major employer in my constituency. In choosing employee ownership as a business model, the company is promoting inclusive growth, where not only employees reap the benefits of the company’s success, but also the local Easter Ross community and economy.
“I was also delighted to hear of Aquascot’s commitment to fair work which is embedded in everything they do.”
“I was pleased to learn more of Aquascot’s relationship with Waitrose, which dates back 19 years. This long-standing relationship has seen locally-sourced salmon and trout from the Highlands sold and distributed throughout the UK.
“We’re renowned for our high-quality food here in the Highlands so I’m thrilled to see a company in my constituency promoting our world-class produce across the UK.
“A big thank you to John Housego, Simon Wrench and Andy Wilson at Aquascot for hosting such a great visit.”
